Sunday: December 9, 2012

READ: 2 Corinthians 3

THINK: Bible scholar C. I. Scofield once visited a psychiatric hospital in Staunton, Virginia. The superintendent, who was giving him a tour, pointed out a powerfully built young man who seemed to be the picture of health.

Scofield asked, “Wouldn’t that man be very difficult to manage if he became violent?”

“Yes,” said the superintendent, “but he never exerts his power. His delusion is that he has no strength! He is always asking for medicine and complaining of weakness.”

Scofield later commented, “How many in the church are like that! Divinely gifted with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, they lack the faith, knowledge, and consecration to use it. People are always praying for power. There is power enough. What they need is the willingness to be used in any humble position, and the faith to exercise the strength God has given.”

There are many splendid goals we could reach if we would cease our timid excuse-making and just let the Holy Spirit fill and control our lives. Because of our relationship to Christ and the indwelling Spirit, we have all the strength we need to do His will (2 Cor. 3:5).

The human spirit fails unless the Holy Spirit fills.

By: Henry G. Bosch in Our Daily Bread, November 28, 1994

PRAY: Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and ask him to help you stop your timid excuse-making and let him take control of you life. Ask him to show you where he wants you to serve.